Qualifications Explained

Essential Skills are intended to provide people with a set of core skills desired by employers, the three Essential Skills areas are:

Numeracy

Literacy

Information Communication Technology

Essential Skills therefore assist personal and social development and improve opportunities for employment.

All students who enrol in the College who do not have GCSE English and/or Maths at Grade A-C or equivalent must complete Essential Skills qualifications.

BTEC First Diploma / Diploma

(Level 2 Qualifications - Equivalent to 4 GCSEs Grades A-C)

A BTEC First Diploma provides good preparation both for employment and more advanced courses such as a BTEC National Award, Certificate or Diploma. First Diplomas are practical, work-related courses where you learn by completing projects and assignments that are based on realistic workplace situations, activities and demands. They are one-year full-time programmes of study.

Course & Duration

Entry Requirements (UK)

Entry Requirements (ROI)

Progression

SWC

UNI

JOBS

1 year
A qualification worth 4 GCSEs, as well as practical skills, to allow you to move onto a Level 3 course.

Attempted 4 GCSEs, achieved 2 Grades (D-F)

Leaving Cert Applied - Pass

Yes

National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs)

(Level 2 and 3 Qualifications available)

These qualifications are industry and employment based and involves trainees undertaking a programme of study that will have a work placement component.

Course & Duration

Entry Requirements (UK)

Entry Requirements (ROI)

Progression

SWC

UNI

JOBS

(Level 2 to Level 4)
1 or 2 years
TfS (NVQ L1 & L2)
Undertake practical, work-related tasks designed to help you develop the skills and knowledge to do a particular job effectively.

NVQ Levels 2 to 4:
Previous NVQ Level or equivalent

NVQ Levels 2 to 4:
Previous NVQ Level or equivalent

Yes (L2 - L4)

Yes (L3 & L4)

Yes (L2 - L4)

BTEC Extended Diplomas

(Level 3 Qualifications - Equivalent to 3 GCE A Levels)

This is a route to both Higher Education and Employment and provides both a broad foundation and a firm basis for specialism in a selected route. They are normally offered in specific vocational areas. BTEC Extended Diplomas are two year full-time programmes of study. They are accredited through the National Award/Certificate which are 6 and 12 unit qualifications respectively, and the Extended Diploma which is an 18 unit qualification.

Course & Duration

Entry Requirements (UK)

Entry Requirements (ROI)

Progression

SWC

UNI

JOBS

2 years
A qualification related to your chosen career, equal to 3 A levels. The practical work experience and skills will prepare you for work or higher level study.

4 GCSE passes (C or above)

Level 2 Diploma (Merit)

NVQ Level 2

OCR Qualification

City & Guilds Qualification

4 Ordinary Passes (D1 or above)

Leaving Certificate Applied (Merit/Distinction)

Yes (HND/C or Found Degree)

Yes

Yes

Access Courses

(Adult Learning - 1 year Full-time or 2 Years Part-time)

Course & Duration

Entry Requirements (UK)

Entry Requirements (ROI)

Progression

SWC

UNI

JOBS

1 year
This course is a bridge to higher education. It is designed for adult learners who wish to enhance their qualifications in preparation for higher level study.

Aged 18 & over*

Interview

Aged 18 & over*

Interview

Yes

Yes

Yes

Higher National Diplomas

(Level 4 Qualifications - Equivalent to...)

Course & Duration

Entry Requirements (UK)

Entry Requirements (ROI)

Progression

SWC

UNI

JOBS

2 years
You will combine practical skills, work experience and academic study to gain a vocational qualification that leads to
employment or 2nd/ 3rd year at university.

Entry to HND / C Full 8 subject
Level 5 Major Award with five
subjects at Merit Level and the
remainder (three) at pass level.

A1

36

A1

12

A2

30

A2

10

B1

30

B1

10

B2

24

B2

8

B3

24

B3

8

C1

18

Foundation Maths:
Foundation Mathematics at A2 and ILC D1 Ordinary will be accapted as subsidiary entry qualifications. However, for progression to degree
programmes, it is advised that GCSE mathematics is undertaken by those students holding an A2 in Foundation Mathematics.

Essential Skills in Numeracy, Literacy & ICT at Level 1 and 2 are considered by the College for entry purposes.

Enhanced Criteria
Where courses are oversubscribed, the College reserves the right to enhance the criteria for entry. South West College particularly welcomes applications from mature students. Standard admission requirements may not be applicable to applicants with alternative qualifications or experience. Further information is available from the Careers and Information Officers at each campus.

English Language Requirements
The language of instruction for College courses is English and it is strongly advisable that students who wish to benefit fully from a College course should be suitably proficient in English (ESOL Level 1). South West College aims to fully support students who require additional help with their English and courses in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) are provided by the College. For further information about ESOL courses, Contact Student Services/Admissions.